BEORF. King of His Realm. III. The Onslaught Comes

The Third

Onslaught Approaches

. Soon, another grand celebration took place in Eket. In the city's main square, with much fanfare and general courtesy, King Dagous announced the incorporation of Chemos into the kingdom of Tammuz, and Beorf was proclaimed Lord of Chemos, Marshal of the army of Tammuz, and hailed as a royal vassal. General Milon was also appointed Lord of Ezo, for which Beorf was very grateful. Aren became Lord of northern Tammuz, choosing the city of Huzet as his stronghold, while the young general Zipre Xema, one of the first men to bear the surname, was appointed Lord of southern Tammuz. He, in turn, ordered a castle built at Caside, 260 kilometers up the Naalhu from Eket. Thus, Beorf's first ideas came to fruition. After the great celebration, Beorf departed for Chemos for a few days to personally deliver the news to his subordinates and issue new orders to his governors. Amex and Kiseaso remained in Eket and began implementing plans to reorganize the kingdom. After a week, Beorf returned to the capital and took charge of everything personally. Laws were amended, courts were established, writing was introduced, and the first schools were established. Kiseaso was to build stone walls again, but this time not in one city, but in six cities simultaneously. He knew it would be an extremely difficult task, so he began without waiting for the other changes. Amex, as usual, was to take care of the army. His task was to train and arm all the soldiers and officers, which proved to be equally difficult. There was much to do; Tamuz's army was poorly trained and possessed equally poor weapons. Furthermore, after the last war, the banners were in disarray, and morale was dire. The soldiers stayed wherever they wistfully pleased and had no intention of returning to their barracks. Those who remained looked upon the rank-and-file of the Chemos army with admiration, but were in no hurry to emulate them. Only Badun's banners required no action, but Beorf ordered them to participate in training. He wanted to harmonize all the banners so they could execute any maneuver he asked. However, there was a constant shortage of weapons; the forges in Chemos couldn't keep up with production, and the new ones in Eket weren't yet ready.

The dwarves quickly learned of this problem, and now they flocked to the changing Eket as eagerly as they did to Beorf. While Lord Chemos was staying at Dagous' palace, Gokurmo, one of the most important merchants from the Sajsi Mountains, arrived. Although the dwarf interrupted him during a conversation with Amex and Aren about the future shape of the army, he gladly accepted. Trade with the dwarves was crucial to the emerging power. "

Greetings, esteemed Gokurmo," Beorf said in introduction.

"Hello. I'll get straight to the point. You'll need a huge amount of weapons soon. For orcs and humans alike. And we can supply you with as much as you need." The dwarves have always been driven by profit, so when it comes to business, they never discuss anything else.

We'll handle this ourselves. Our forges, built here, are up to the task.

But these weapons won't compare to ours. Our axes will split any armor, and our swords will pierce any armor of the foul creatures. Not to mention our iron, which no material on Ket can match.

That's why we buy ore from you." Beorf seemed adamant

. "Iron alone means nothing. It's the method of manufacture." Gokurmo smiled, knowing Beorf couldn't do anything about that advantage

. "Never mind. We don't need your weapons; if that's all you wanted, then I must apologize. Duty calls me." The dwarf turned and left without a word, clearly offended. "This conversation was shorter than he expected.

I hope he wasn't too offended. Then he might not come to Eket," said Aren

. "You don't know dwarves. The desire for profit will bring him back. Even if I expressed myself less politely, the profits from trade wouldn't have decreased at all. They earn a lot here and won't give it up so easily.

But your decision was still unwise. You know we'll need these weapons," said Amex

. "We'll make our own like in Chemos!" This statement clearly irritated the marshal. "

You realize perfectly well that the ban on the purchase of dwarven weapons has failed. Moreover, we won't be able to produce enough weapons to equip an army of ten thousand. The forges in Chemos are already stretched thin, and the ones we're building here will take some time to be ready, not to mention production.

We've built so many mills, fields, and villages, we can even manage the forges." Not to mention the weapons.

We can afford to buy those weapons," Aren tried to defuse the situation. "I'll talk to the king; he'll surely agree to pay as much gold as needed.

Besides, we don't have enough labor to work the forges anyway; everyone's either working in the fields or building walls.

Very well then," Beorf gave up, "you've convinced me. We'll buy armor and weapons from the dwarves. We'll arm the soldiers from Chemos with them and create elite banners from them. And we'll give their weapons to the newly trained Tamuzans. We'll produce the rest ourselves. Amex, go to Gokurmon and tell him I've changed my mind.

Yes, sir." Amex left the chamber and headed down the stairs. He was met by Kiseaso on the way.

Hello, Amex, is Beorf in his chamber?

Yes, but it's very difficult to talk to him these days. Ruling Chemos has changed him profoundly. People probably don't remember what he was like before the revolt. Kind, polite, full of life. Now... greedy, acquisitive, and brutal. Amex pondered for a moment.

We remember that. Do you think things will ever be the same again? A peaceful life in the budding and joyful Chemos?

Let's hope so – Amex moved downhill, and Kiseaso went to Beorf.

The next two years were very difficult. The Tamuz government faced an important and difficult task. Reorganizing the entire country, the economy, administration, and army cost a great deal of money and effort. The first thing modernized was the administration. Each Lord was to build a castle and military barracks in the capital of their respective districts. This castle was to be the bastion of the King's power and the seat of the officials. They were also to bear the burden of developing their region. Although at first, Kiseaso and Beorf were involved in everything. The idea proved successful, and results were soon to be seen. The country began to develop increasingly rapidly, with each emerging city becoming an independent trading center. A network of roads was built, including the most important one from Beorf to Eket. A network of horse couriers was also established, so Beorf no longer had to travel everywhere himself. Although horses were rare and therefore expensive, the whole project was fully worthwhile. New temples to Daax were also built, which the god himself ordered from Beorf by sending one of his angels to him. Lord Chemos could not refuse this, and each new temple was built before any other buildings. Although Daax was not pleased that Eket also housed a temple to Afabolis, and some people worshiped this god, this was not cause for concern at that time.

Eket was developing the fastest. Kiseaso wanted the capital to be worthy of the entire kingdom, but Dagous's salary was not as generous as Lord Beorf's in Chemos. Beorf, observing the ongoing development of the new Tammuz, decided it was time for the King's grand plan: the conquest of Talgidr. The banners of Tammuz were already sufficiently trained, and weapons were constantly growing. All that was needed was to increase the size of the army. So he ordered the entire army to be planned as follows:

Three thousand soldiers were to come from Chemos and be armed with dwarven weapons and elven bows. Besides the best training, Beorf had the best-armed and completely loyal soldiers. One thousand, under the command of General Amex, were to be permanently stationed in Chemos, while the remaining two thousand, under Generals Refin and Xat Khun, were to be stationed in northern Thamuz, in preparation for a possible offensive. He ordered the orcs to be increased to one thousand and the trolls to sixty, with General Badun taking command. He and the orcs were to remain in Eket. All generals except him commanded only one thousand soldiers permanently. From two hundred and twenty soldiers from Chemos and Thamuz, a royal guard was formed, also armed with dwarven weapons. The remaining army consisted of six thousand Tamuzans, armed with both ancient Chemos weapons and those newly forged in all the forges of the Kingdom. These six thousand were divided as follows. The first thousand were placed under Zipre Xema's wing in Caside, the second, under Aren's command, were stationed in Huzet; the third, under Milon, in Jedegl; the fourth, under General Wiriem, was stationed in Oruti; the fifth, under Fehli Ubidys, was stationed in Auro; and the sixth, the last, commanded by Kyforg Iwajep, was stationed in Eket. Despite this, three hundred guards were organized in each city to maintain order, but these were not regular soldiers, and Beorf ordered them to fight only in defense of the city.

This arrangement allowed the army to launch an offensive in any direction and effectively defend against a potential attack. Training the new soldiers didn't take long. Thus, everyone expected an imminent attack on Talgidr. However, Beorf began to worry about something else. Secretly, he, Fagril, and Amex set off for Lord Aren's castle in Huzet. There, after dinner, Beorf began to explain the purpose of their visit.

A certain matter worries me.

Namely, what is so important that we have to meet secretly? – asked a smiling Aren.

“Everything is going perfectly well, the country is developing without problems,” replied Fagril

. “That’s not the point. The matters concern security, and security within the kingdom. Before we start a new war, I would like to settle this matter.

Who is threatening our country?” asked Amex .

“Nonduter and Kormig,

these mages?” Aren was clearly surprised, but not Amex. He thought Beorf simply wanted to expand his already vast influence in this way. “They are helping us. Nonduter himself proposed an alliance with you, and besides, they guard the king and advise him.

And that worries me. They know everything that happens in the kingdom. And they pass it on to Dagous, but who knows, maybe they don’t change some facts. Although they are supposed to protect security, they threaten us all equally. One word from them could destroy any of us.”

But why would they do that? Amex asked calmly.

Even if it was for the sake of power. After all, they are invincible – Aren had already spoken these words, even though Beorf wanted to speak up. – No one can defeat them in combat.

And that is the main reason. We have to do something about it. We have to get rid of them.

It would be best to kill them, but who will do that? – Fagril asked

. We need to talk to Milon and Badun. The orcs will surely take care of this.

First, you must go to the king and inform him of their plans – Amex knew he wouldn't change their decision, but he could still try to save the mages – it is he who must pass judgment on them.

First, we will go to Milon. He will certainly support us, and with his voice we will surely convince Dagous – replied Beorf.

So let's go to Eket – Aren concluded

. Two days later, on February 20th, they all reached the capital of Tammuz. There, at the inn on the square in front of Dagous's palace, they met with Milon. Opposite the inn stood a tall stone building, the headquarters of the two mages. They immediately presented their plan, to which the general reacted as they had predicted. He readily agreed to help; he too saw it as an opportunity to increase his influence with the king. That same day, they met with Dagous. Although he refused to receive anyone, he had no other choice; the marshal and his three most important generals appeared at his door. Beorf briefly outlined his plans and the reasons for his actions. "

I admit, I'm not entirely happy with all this. I trust them completely; so far, they haven't disappointed me at all. Besides, you have no reason to believe so.

Once they act, no one will stop them. Our country is powerful, and that could tempt them.

We must get rid of them now," Milon added. "

And you, Milon, have been deceived. Until now, I have appreciated your wisdom, Lord Beorf, but now I am overcome with doubt. You have all been deceived by this strange and foolish idea.

My lord. " Marshal Beorf is absolutely right. We must act quickly," said Aren

. "Where is this nonsense coming from?" Dagous was already furious. "I don't believe these mages pose a threat to anyone!

I spoke with the god Daax about this." Beorf must have lied. He feared the mages' power too much. Lord Chemos never discussed matters within the land with Daax or any of his angels. This, however, must have convinced the king. "Our guardian warned me against them. I know his will is right, and I must obey it.

Oh, these gods. First the orcs and their fanaticism, Afabolis, now you, Beorf. I tell you, the gods will destroy us one day, as will all of Keta. Well... if your beloved God says so, then so be it. Kill the mages. Just do it quietly.

An order," they all shouted in unison, except Amex, and left the chamber.

"Milon," Beorf said to the general as they descended the steps to the throne room, "go now to Badun and convey the king's new orders. Only the orcs will be able to destroy them.

Yes, sir. I will do it with the greatest pleasure." Milon saluted and ran towards the barracks.

However, this would take some time. Meanwhile, Beorf, Aren, Amex, and Fagril went to the same inn as before. It was already night, and in the square, amidst the still-fallen snow, there was not a living soul. There, they waited quietly for the attack. However, time was working against them. Beorf seemed to have forgotten Nondutr's main skill. He was just getting into bed when he suddenly felt the presence of a threat in his mind. Instinctively, he began scanning through the minds he could, until he reached Milon running towards the orc barracks. What he saw in his thoughts terrified him. The king had sentenced them to death, the generals had convinced him, and Milon was just passing the order to Badun. He couldn't believe it. Especially since Aren himself knew it, and what's worse, he had supported this whole crazy plan. Everyone knew it, and everyone was against them. Nonduter jumped out of bed and headed for Kormig's room. "

Kormig! Wake up!" Nonduter began shaking his sleeping companion. "Wake up! We're in danger!

What's the matter? What's wrong with you?!

The king ordered us killed. We have to escape. Badun and the orcs will be here soon.

This is nonsense. Why would he want us dead?

I don't know, we have to get out of here! Everyone's behind this; we don't stand a chance.

Get a grip. We'll resist them. They won't take us alive, and I can deal with them." Kormig slowly rose and calmly donned his robes. "

And what next? The people will consider us enemies. Will you want to stay here then?" Besides, they'll attack us with such force that we won't be able to withstand them. Listen to me. Let's pack and flee the city... flee Tamuz.

Good. We need to gather the most important things. We have to get here before they arrive.

While Milon and Badun, along with a hundred orcs, headed for the market square, Nonduter and Kormig slipped out of the building and through the narrow, dark streets between the houses, reached one of Eket's gates. Although the gates were closed by the Generals' orders, Kormig overthrew the guards and opened the gate. Neither guard raised the alarm, so they both left the city safely. There, their paths diverged. Kormig headed south to the yet-to-be-born Haliburg, while Nonduter headed east to Tugeh, the capital of Ahad and its King Esun.

Meanwhile, the orcs smashed open the doors to the mages' house and began ransacking the entire compound. Beorf and his companions, as well as the still sober townspeople, emerged from the tavern to see what was happening. The marshal and his generals moved toward Milon, who was standing in front of the building. Badun emerged from the building and said something to the general. Once everyone was in place, Milon said:

They fled. They did it in a hurry, leaving behind many valuables. They clearly knew what awaited them.

And let's hope they won't return here again, replied Beorf, satisfied.

Perhaps they truly had something on their conscience, since they fled after hearing the news of what awaited them. Although Amex didn't fully trust his own words, he was beginning to think the decision was right. Although he was glad the mages had survived.

Now we can proceed, Beorf said to himself.

The generals spent the next few days planning the war with Talgidr. Beorf, however, wanted to know exactly what Nifun's country looked like. So he ordered spies trained to gather all the relevant information. They were to infiltrate there with merchant caravans without arousing suspicion, and through casual conversation, extract information about the army, the country's organization, and, most importantly, obtain maps of the enemy territory. The spies performed excellently, so the marshal ordered them to be hired permanently and sent to all the neighboring countries. This created a vast network of information that reached Beorf, and from him to the king. Dagous was pleased, as this idea proved far more effective than Nondutr's skills. Dagous ordered spies to be placed within Tammuz to report any abuses and attempted rebellions. However, Beorf had already done this long before. Thanks to all this information, he was able to proceed with his plan to conquer Talgidr. He did not want to repeat the mistake of Milo, who did not know what kind of enemy he was facing, or his own mistake in the Dead Hills. There, his ignorance of the train had cost him the lives of many soldiers. Talgidr had fewer than two thousand warriors, as they were still far short of the army. The terrain was favorable; most of the country lay on the Thammus Plain, where effective defense was a weak point for any army. The only problem posed the Brown Mountains in the south. There, two important settlements, Rupte and Ibedeux, were located. Beorf also ordered stronger forces to be sent there under the command of Aren. General Aren was given three thousand soldiers under his command, including a thousand of Badun's orcs. Beorf, at the head of two thousand soldiers from Chemos, was to march across the plain to Zyxibu, the capital of Talgidr. Beorf wanted to wage this war differently from the way it had been fought before. Slowly and carefully, planning every attack and every battle. He would partially succeed, though not entirely.

Thus, a shadow had already fallen over the northern part of Keta. After an additional year of preparations, five thousand soldiers of the Kingdom of Tamuz stood on the Talgidr border.

On July 9, Friday, 4824 BC, the order arrived from the king to attack Talgidr. That same day, Marshal Beorf and General Aren led their troops towards their objective. Beorf and his army had 229 kilometers to cover, while Rupte was only 166 kilometers from the border with Tammuz. Despite this, Beorf reached their destination first. In the capital of Talgidr, an attack was already expected. When the troops surrounded the settlement, Beorf ordered archers to fire on Zyxibu. At the same time, infantry with ladders were to prepare to capture the palisade. This was a vertical structure without any additional defenses, as Beorf knew. When the firing ceased, the soldiers charged forward. Archers appeared here and there on the palisade, but they were unable to achieve much. The armor and helmets forged by the dwarves performed remarkably well. Without significant losses, they burned the wooden beams of the palisade and began climbing the ladders to the top. The fighting didn't last long, and the soldiers easily breached the gate. As soon as Beorf noticed the gate opening, he launched five banners. These burst through the gate, driving the defenders all the way to Nifun's residence. There, the fiercest fighting ensued. Despite a fierce defense, the Talgidrian soldiers stood little chance. Beorf entered the city with five more banners, which poured over the settlement like a flood. The fighting was already drawing to a close; Nifun's residence, so fiercely defended, finally fell, and in the settlement, some isolated soldiers were still fighting here and there. Beorf and Xat went straight to Nifun's palace, but it was nowhere to be found, nor was it anywhere else in the city. Before the war began, he went to Ibedeux. However, the spies didn't have time to inform Beorf.

That same day, Marshal Tamuzu began organizing new authorities. But not in the way Dagous had desired. He utilized the old administration and appointed all the new officials from within it. However, he handed over control of the city to one of his officers. Until the war was over, Dagous had no intention of appointing Lord Talgidru. This favored the marshal.

After two days of rest, Beorf gathered supplies and set off again, leaving four hundred men in Zyxibu. He headed south to meet Aren, but he had not yet reached Rupte. The journey through the mountains was difficult, especially for the orcs. Despite this, they communicated easily through messengers. Thus, Beorf knew approximately where and when to expect Aren's banner.

Meanwhile, Nifun was gathering an army in Ibedeux. Beorf learned of this, as well as the enemy's strength. But soon after, contact with the spies in Ibedeux was lost. The generals suspected that they had been captured, but Beorf and Fagril thought rather that the city gates were closed and the spies could not escape.

After four days of leisurely marching, on July 19th, Beorf found himself a hundred kilometers from the Brown Mountains. That same day, Aren reached Rupte. And this battle didn't last long. Aren and Badun captured the settlement within twenty minutes and set off the next day to meet Beorf. Meanwhile, he was approaching the first peaks of the beautiful Brown Mountains. In the distance, massive, brown peaks, scattered with trees, were visible. Despite the summer, traces of snow could be seen on some, while others were invisible, reaching beyond the clouds. Beorf and his compatriots had never seen such high peaks before. They were deeply impressed. Soon, they would conquer the first ascents and disappear among the mountain paths, valleys, and passes. On Wednesday, while Beorf was already traversing the Brown Mountains, Nifuna set out from Ibedeux at the head of an army of over three thousand men. Thanks to his good knowledge of the mountains, he moved faster than Beorf and Aren. However, they were still far away, with a mile only a few dozen kilometers from each other. With Nifun's departure from Ibedeux, the Tamuzan spies escaped. They moved even faster and soon found their own. Beorf learned of the army marching towards him and hoped to rejoin Aren in time. However, there were few roads in the mountains, and not all paths were known. Both armies wandered for many days, while Nifun drew closer day by day. After a four-day trek through the mountains, Beorf's army climbed a small, wooded hill surrounding a mountain valley. As the army marched eastward from the forest in the valley, clouds of dust appeared about ten kilometers from Beorf. Beorf sat on his horse and watched. Suddenly, Fagril rode up to him. "

Do you see that, Fagril? Down there?

Yes. What could that be?"

Most likely soldiers, the only question is whether ours or the Talgidru?

There are more and more of them there. But what would ours be doing in the west? And in such chaos?

It's Nifun!" Beorf suddenly shouted. "Stop the soldiers, have them form up and ready their weapons!" A moment later, Generals Refin and Xat rode up to Beorf. "

Sir, the soldiers are already in position in a single line. What are the next orders?" Refin asked. "

The time has come for the last battle," Beorf said, looking at the Talgidru army marching down the valley. It had just turned and was heading towards them.

"Marshal, shouldn't we wait for Arena? That was the plan.

Therefore, we must change that plan Xat.

Does that mean there will be a battle now?

Yes, Fagril. Here in this valley. In a few dozen minutes. Let the soldiers slowly descend. They will need to be rested. The enemy has the advantage."

An hour later, both armies found themselves in the valley, about a kilometer apart. Nifun had the numerical advantage, but these were mostly peasants, underarmed. Only seven hundred of them were real soldiers. They all lined up in a single line, without any division or preparation. It was merely a vast mass. Beorf ordered six hundred archers to the front, in a three-tiered line. Behind them were two groups of three hundred and thirty soldiers each. On the left, under Refin's command, and on the right, Xat. Beorf stood behind them on the hill with the remaining three hundred and thirty soldiers.

As the banners were finishing their positions and the archers began to readied their elven bows, something Beorf hadn't anticipated happened. A loud shriek echoed through the air, and the Talgidrian attacked. They leaped to their feet and ran towards the archers. As soon as Beorf noticed, he quickly mounted his horse and charged to the front line. The archers weren't yet ready to fire, let alone engage in swordplay. They were easy targets. As soon as Beorf reached them, he ordered everyone to flee, regardless of their weapons. Nifun's men were closing in, leaving the Lord and his archers in a dire situation. Beorf drew his newly forged sword, brandishing it in the air. The generals understood his meaning and led their groups into battle. Beorf and his archers headed back to the hill where his group was. A few seconds later, the two armies clashed. This was not the outcome Beorf had expected. He had been counting on an easy victory; his archers would inflict heavy losses on the enemy before they reached his lines. For a moment, he stood and watched the battle unfold. "

It was close," said Fagril. "

To what?"

Let the battle be lost

. It's not over yet, he said furiously. We can still lose. The third regiment behind me, to fight for king and country! He shouted, sword raised. The soldiers followed him towards the fighting men.

Although the Chemos soldiers were unrivaled in this part of Keta and their dwarven weapons were superior, Beorf's fears were eminently justified. They were winning, but with great difficulty; there were almost a thousand of them, while Nifun had over three thousand warriors under his command. Archers could have improved the situation, but they lacked swords. After half an hour of devastating battle, Aren emerged from the same forest from which Nifun had emerged. Aren expected to merely cut off the Talgidrian's escape route. However, seeing the situation, he decided to strike. He ordered Badun to advance directly at the combatants, and the remaining banners to attack from the flanks, trapping Nifun's troops. After the attack of this mass, the entire brattalia was short-lived. Almost everyone surrendered after Beorf knocked the weapon from Nifun's hand and forced him to surrender. The battle ended. Nifun surrendered to Beorf and Aren, as did all the surviving soldiers of Talgidr. Beorf forced Nifun to surrender his land to the new king, in exchange for which he would remain and rule Talgidr as Dagous's lord and vassal. After entering Ibedeux without a fight, Beorf and Aren returned to Eket, bringing Nifun with them.

There, Dagous organized a grand welcome for them, though not as grand as when he first arrived in Eket. The crowd showered them with flowers and cheered. As usual, there was plenty of wine and food. The king could afford such a celebration lasting several days. Thanks to Beorf, the entire land grew richer and stronger. Although his admiration for Beorf diminished somewhat when he learned of the battle's outcome, he still held the marshal in great admiration and warm friendship. After all the festivities, the two generals found themselves in the great hall of King Dagous's palace.

And so, another great victory. "I heard the last battle was rather unpleasant," Dagous smiled as he uttered these words. "

It's war. And in war, not everything can be predicted." Beorf was also in a good mood.

But no matter. Talgidr has been conquered. Another goal achieved. Now we need to take control of it. The new Lord of Talgidr, Ulem, will take care of that.

My lord, Beorf and I have an idea. We want to install Nifun as Lord of Talgidr, or at least in some important position.

That would gain us the favor of the populace.

Out of the question. Nifun will be executed... soon. The Talgidr are supposed to fear us, and how will they fear us if we don't rule there?

Your Majesty, Beorf's idea has its advantages...

Enough! The decision has been made. Do you have anything to add, Marshal?

When will the execution take place?" Aren looked at Beorf in surprise. "

In three days."

"Then I'm leaving for Chemos. I'll return in two weeks." Beorf saluted, turned, and left the hall, followed by Aren. When they both left the palace, Aren ran up to Beorf and stopped him. "

What's wrong with you?" Nifun was better suited for this than that servant of Dagous. We could have at least saved him from death.

It's the King who decides. And he has his reasons. So forgive me, but I'd like to go home now.

Nifun doesn't deserve to die. You know that perfectly well. What about the promise you made to him and his subordinates? Let's at least try to protect him somehow.

I don't care. The King has given an order, and it's our duty to carry it out. I bid you farewell.

His blood will be on your conscience." Beorf wanted to say something else, but left without a word.

That was the end of their conversation. Although Aren hadn't known Beorf as long as Amex or Kiseaso, he sensed a change in him. He was no longer the same great leader he had been when he met him in Chemos. He was becoming a ruthless commander, slowly resembling the cruel Milon. Worse still, no one could stop this change. Only Daax, though Beorf, neither broke his commandments nor opposed him, so God was unconcerned, as the Lord acted on orders, not from the heart he was slowly losing.

When the Lord of Chemos reached his fortress, Nifun was executed in Eket. Milon personally carried out the execution, while Aren watched and suffered. He wanted to help him, but he couldn't, and given the marshal's indifference, he could do nothing. That same day, Lord Ulem arrived in Zyxib. The new Lord of Talgidru immediately began to impose the terror Dagous demanded, though the many men Beorf had placed in various positions effectively weakened these ambitions. But even this did not prevent further tragic events. The peasants of Zyxib, upon hearing of Nifun's death, felt betrayed. In exchange for peace, Beorf promised them that Nifun would continue to rule their land, although they would have a new king. Moreover, they were so dissatisfied with the new laws imposed by the Ulema that they rebelled. Lord Talgidru shut himself in a wooden fortress, but he could do nothing. The rebels surrounded the city, and there were so many of them that he could not attack them. The rebels demanded that he leave the city, or they would burn it with him.

When Beorf returned from his rest to Eket, he was immediately summoned by Dagous.

"Surely news from our new lands has reached you by now?" he began, concerned.

"Yes, I know what's happening." Beorf's spies were at work.

I want you to deal with the rebels... and punish those foolish Ulema.

Orders, Your Highness. But why doesn't Milon begin to suppress the rebellion?" He is better suited for this and would certainly be happy to do it.

Milon is suppressing a rebellion in Ezo – Beorf knew this perfectly well, but he wanted to show the king that his spies aren't everywhere and don't know everything. – Oh, and one more thing. You are to plow the rebels' fields and sprinkle salt over the ploughing, so that nothing will ever grow there again. And I suppose I don't have to mention that you are to kill the rebels?

I'll leave for Talgidr today – Beorf turned and headed for the door. But after a moment, he stopped and said, “But don't you think, King, that this land is a bit of a waste. We could disperse the rebels to various parts of the kingdom, and let their lands be cultivated peacefully and profit from them.

That we will do. Now, go quickly. Let them feel our wrath.

Yes, sir. In the name of Daax and Tamuz.

May your God be with you.”

The marshal did as Dagous said. He gathered all the orcs with him and marched towards Zyxibu. There, the orcs under his command brutally crushed the rebellion, as he didn't want humans to carry out the slaughter. For the first time, he didn't take Fagril, who always accompanied him, with him either. He also didn't want anyone to know what had happened. The rebels' villages were burned to the ground, the villagers were dispersed throughout Tamuz, and anyone suspected of being involved with traitors to the new monarchy was slaughtered on sight by the orcs. This was how Lord Beorf repaid the people he initially tried to help. Although no one would ever know, Beorf would pay the price for those tragic orders. And in this part of Tamuz, for the blood he shed here, he would always be recognized as the Red Lord.

After plowing the rebels' fields and sprinkling them with salt, he entered Zyxib. There, he ordered the execution of the captured rebels, then accused the Ulema of treason and sentenced him to death as well. Badun personally carried out this sentence. The orc general admired Beorf. For his will to fight, his skill with weapons, the knowledge he possessed, and even the cruelty he began to perceive in him. Although he was irritated by the fact that he was associating with elves. In return for his loyalty, Beorf taught the orc several useful things about leadership and weaponry. He also taught him his alphabet, for which he was very grateful. Thus, Badun became the first literate orc in all of Keta and taught his subordinates himself. In the future, when the haramids appeared, it was Badun's orcs who were of greatest benefit, building a large and powerful cult.

Beorf, in turn, appointed a new Lord of Talgidru. This title was given to Tymkeb, also an emissary of the king. This time, however, Beorf allowed Tymkeb to impose the complete terror that Dagous had previously demanded. However, his men remained in many important positions.

At the end of August 4824, Lord Marshal Beorf returned to Eket for a great council called by King Dagous. All the generals and the Lords of all the districts were present. The Marshal knew perfectly well why this council was being held. Thanks to his spies, he was perfectly prepared for it. Dagous wanted to present the flag for a new war, and his generals were tasked with preparing it. And so it was.

I greet everyone gathered here. A large table with a map of northern Keta had been set up in the throne room. Everyone sat at the table and began to listen to the words of the king standing over them. After our last great victory, it was time for another. Some were already beginning to fear, though they knew perfectly well what would be discussed. "Our new common goal will be Prince Fuhon and his land of Binyme. Marshal, perhaps you would like to speak?" Beorf rose from his seat. "

Binyme is a very valuable land to us. Its mountains contain numerous mines of the raw materials we need." After capturing it, we will no longer have to buy them from the dwarves, but will mine them ourselves. Although the Binymes have a weak army, fighting in the mountains, as recent wars have shown, is not easy. Especially since Voj, their capital, lies on a rocky outcrop and is partially built of stone.

But isn't it too early for a new war? Zipre asked. "

Our army has already rebuilt its initial strength and is fully ready for battle. The war in Talgidra wasn't very long, so we still have considerable supplies that we just need to replenish.

So we are ready for a new war at the beginning of next year. As soon as spring begins, our soldiers will be waiting at the border to attack," Milon added. "

My spies report that Fuhon fears war with us, so he is gathering a strong army. The sooner we attack, the better.

Everyone fears us," Dagous interjected, smiling. "Although everyone took it as a simple remark, Beorf read much more into it than the others." He himself knew that all the countries feared war with Tamuz. They feared the Kingdom's new strength, especially Chemos and himself. "Why are you so sad all of a sudden, Lord? Has something happened? Are you worried that we inspire fear?

No... at all. That's even good," he replied quietly, and perhaps only Amex knew that something was troubling him. And he was right. A strange, yet correct thought arose in Beorf's mind. Dagous never spoke words he wasn't sure of, and since only he himself knew of his neighbors' fear of war, Dagous must have spies of his own. This meant trouble. And indeed, in the future, Dagous would pay the price for his wrong words, for words that warned Beorf, words that would be reflected in distant future events.

So a new war will begin soon. We must therefore hurry and prepare a firearm," General Wiriem said.

"I intend to send seven thousand soldiers into battle," Beorf said thoughtfully after a moment. "

Why so many?" Dagous asked.

"Let them see our great strength; besides, it will be a difficult war." However, we will not prepare our plans until September. Along with Amex, Refin, and Xat, we must return to Chemos for the celebration of the descent of the Godstone.

I know you go there every year, but you will be just as needed here as in Chemos. Perhaps even more so.

This is a very important holiday, and whether I like it or not, I have to be there.

Good, then, go and return as soon as possible. Soon we will have another great victory." After the meeting, Beorf and the Chemos generals returned to their homeland for the annual celebration.

And so the decision was made. Another country was to fall victim to the rising power. After returning from Chemos, Beorf approached the new offensive much more carefully than before. He spent long evenings with the generals who were to take part in the new war. Admittedly, neither of these wars, nor the subsequent ones, went down in history as firsts. The title of the first true war was reserved for the dwarves and the Cult, while Omegil and Halba were accused of initiating the first war on Keta. Even though wars similar to the one in northern Keta were raging across almost the entire continent, that wasn't important at the time.

The army was ready, and Kiseaso was easily managing the construction of walls and castles. Even the elven merchants, though peace-loving, supported Dagous's actions. They hoped that the existence of such a great power would guarantee future peace in this part of the continent. Relations between the generals and the king were very good, and this greatly encouraged them. Although Beorf's stance worried Amex and Aren, the two had not yet discussed the matter. And the time for a new war seemed almost perfect. And although Fuhon knew he would soon become a new target, he didn't lose hope. And this hope would soon strengthen, perhaps even destroy Dagous's kingdom. However, Beorf and his spies were unaware of this hope.